The Theveli International Conference 2024, organized by The Maldives National University (MNU), brought together researchers, academics, students and professionals to share research, exchange knowledge and strengthen research collaboration, international cooperation and multidisciplinary academic engagement.
Held under the theme “Bridging Boundaries: Exploring Synergies Across Research Disciplines,” the conference reflected MNU’s commitment to quality education, lifelong learning, education research, research and innovation, and the creation of opportunities for scholars to engage across disciplinary boundaries.
The name “Theveli”, a Dhivehi word describing the dispersion of rays on the sea when the sun or moon rises and sets, represents the conference’s vision of spreading the light of knowledge. The conference aims to bring together scholars and students from across the world and disseminate knowledge to illuminate not only the Maldives but also the wider region and global academic community.
A Growing Platform for Multidisciplinary Research
Theveli 2024 featured paper presentations and keynote speeches, providing researchers with a platform to present their work, exchange knowledge and engage with research from different fields. The conference invited research submissions across 13 themes, highlighting its multidisciplinary scope and supporting connections between diverse areas of research and development, innovation, education and knowledge production.
The conference received 206 abstracts, including 142 local and 44 international submissions, with 186 abstracts accepted for presentation. The participation of researchers from the Maldives and overseas contributed to international collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity building and the exchange of research and best practice.
The conference also provided opportunities for researchers and students to engage with research addressing areas relevant to national and global development, including health, education, climate change, oceans, environmental sustainability and technological innovation.
International and National Expertise through Keynote Sessions
Theveli 2024 featured five distinguished keynote speakers representing diverse areas of expertise, including oceanography, medicine, digital transformation, environmental science and educational technology.
Dr. Luc Rainville, a physical oceanographer at the Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, brought expertise in observational physical oceanography, ocean circulation, internal waves, turbulence, autonomous instruments and ocean observation technologies. His area of expertise contributes to understanding oceans, marine resources, aquatic ecosystems and the scientific basis for life below water.
Dr. Aishath Eleena, a pioneering pediatric cardiologist in the Maldives and senior consultant subspecialist in pediatric cardiology at the National Cardiac Centre, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, contributed expertise in pediatric cardiology and child health. Her work reflects the importance of health services, healthcare access, community health, health research and improved health and well-being.
Professor Khawar Hameed, a digital transformation management consultant and Visiting Professor of Digital Transformation at Birmingham City University, brought extensive experience in digital innovation, technology projects, digital strategy, training and education. His expertise highlighted the role of digital infrastructure, technology, innovation, research and development and technology transfer in supporting contemporary education and development.
Professor Krishnakant Budhavant, an environmental scientist at the Maldives Climate Observatory-Hanimaadhoo, contributed expertise in atmospheric sciences, aerosols, climate processes and land-ocean-atmosphere interactions, with research experience spanning several countries and regions. His area of research is closely connected to climate research, climate change, climate resilience, greenhouse gas emissions and understanding environmental processes.
Professor Hiroaki Ogata, Full Professor at Kyoto University’s Academic Center for Computing and Media Studies and Graduate School of Informatics, brought extensive expertise in computer-supported learning, mobile learning, collaborative learning and learning analytics. His academic work includes more than 600 peer-reviewed publications and contributes to quality education, inclusive learning, educational access, digital learning and the use of technology to support teaching and learning.
Together, the keynote speakers represented a broad range of disciplinary perspectives, reinforcing the conference theme of building connections across research fields and supporting knowledge sharing, international best practice, research collaboration and capacity building.
Extending Learning through Workshops
Theveli 2024 also included five workshops, extending opportunities for learning, professional development and knowledge exchange beyond the research presentations.
Participant feedback was collected separately on both workshop content and delivery, providing an additional mechanism for understanding participants’ experiences and perceptions of the learning sessions. Such activities contribute to lifelong learning, skills development, capacity building and the continued strengthening of academic and professional knowledge.
Advancing MNU’s Research and Knowledge-Sharing Mission
Through its multidisciplinary paper presentations, keynote sessions, workshops and opportunities for networking, Theveli International Conference 2024 strengthened research dissemination, academic engagement, knowledge sharing and research collaboration at The Maldives National University.
With 206 abstracts received and 186 accepted, participation from both local and international researchers, and keynote contributions spanning ocean science, healthcare, digital transformation, environmental science and educational technology, Theveli 2024 provided a platform for connecting diverse areas of research and expertise.
The conference also demonstrated the value of international collaboration, cross-sectoral dialogue, academic partnerships, knowledge sharing and capacity building in strengthening the research ecosystem. By bringing together researchers and students from different disciplines and geographical contexts, the conference supported opportunities for partnerships for the goals and the exchange of research, evidence and best practice.
Theveli 2024 further reflected MNU’s commitment to quality education, research and innovation, climate research, life below water, health and well-being, and international research collaboration, while creating opportunities for scholars and students to share knowledge with the Maldives, the wider region and the global academic community.
